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Matthew 13:10-17

The Purpose of the Parables

10 Then the disciples came and asked him, Why do you speak to them in parables?
11He answered, To you it has been given to know the secrets* of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
12For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.
13The reason I speak to them in parables is that seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.
14With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says:You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive.
15 For this peoples heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears,and understand with their heart and turn and I would heal them.
16But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
17Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.